Responsibilities of the College Bound Student

Get involved in activities and become a contributor in whatever interests you!

Go beyond the minimum requirements. Decide to be interested, and you will likely find it so.

Do a self-assessment of your abilities, interests, and experiences.Develop a personal resume.Update it as changes occur.Give a copy to your counselor.

Gather as much information about college options as you can.The Internet is the best source.A visit to a college’s website will answer almost every question you might ask. Take the time and discover opportunities you did not even know were of interest to you!

Attend the college representative visits to HFHS.With prior approval from the teacher, juniors and seniors may be excused from class to meet with a college rep.

Attend the local college fairs to meet with the college representatives and gather information.

Visiting colleges is the best way to decide what’s best for you.

Register to take the SAT, ACT, and, if necessary, SAT II Subject Tests.Wait until second semester of junior year to take them, but take them twice before the end of first semester senior year.More than 60% of students score higher on their second try!Use the Holy Family code number (060415) when registering.Be sure you have adequately prepared and familiarized yourself with the tests before taking them.

In the second semester of your junior year (or summer prior to your junior year), meet with Mr. Wilson and your parents to discuss college options and aspirations.Consult with Mr. Wilson regularly as you gather information and make decisions.

Make decisions about what you want in a college: size, location, reputation, level of selectivity, environment, religious affiliation, majors, sports, activities, etc.

Include your parents in your decision making throughout the process.Selecting a college is a matching of individual personality with that of a college.Your parents know you best.

Get critiques of any essays you write for your applications.Make it your best work!For many colleges this can make the difference.Share your drafts with Mr. Wilson and anyone else you trust!Start your essays in the summer before senior year.

Request recommendations at least three weeks before your deadlines.Be sure to complete the student section before giving forms to recommenders.

Be aware of and meet application deadlines.

Decide by early October of your senior year where you will apply for admission.Complete your applications by December 1st.

If you have not done so by senior year, visit those colleges to which you apply.Try to visit on a weekday when the college is in session.Attend classes, meet with faculty or coaches, and even stay overnight.Call at least two weeks ahead of time to make arrangements and coordinate any missed school time with our school office before your college visit.Depending on the distance, some students find it more practical to visit a college after they have been accepted.(A visit before applying to a reach school may be of benefit in the admissions process.)

Apply to a reasonable number of colleges to insure that you will be accepted at a school which is appropriate for your needs, abilities, and interests.As a general guide, apply to at least one safety school (where you are sure of being accepted and you would like to attend), one to three probables (where you have a decent chance of being accepted), and one reach (where you dream of going, but may have only a small chance of being accepted).

Be meticulous in filling out your applications.Do not leave information blank.If necessary, include attachments.This may be the first, and only, impression the admissions office has of you.

Save copies of your application materials.

Bring application materials, not submitted online, including the counselor/school report to the Counseling Center.Complete a Transcript Request Form, paper clip the materials together, and leave in the inbox.Submit applications for processing at least three weeks before the application deadline.Applications to be mailed before Christmas Break must be submitted by December 1st.

Be sure that the colleges to which you are applying receive your standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, SAT II, &/or AP).Scores that have been reported to Holy Family High School can be included with your transcript.If a college requires that the scores be sent directly from the testing agency, you must either indicate the appropriate college code when you register or contact the testing company to send your scores.

Keep your parents and Mr. Wilson up-to-date on what you are doing and what feedback you get from the college admission offices.Notify Mr. Wilson when you get an answer from an admission office.

Be attentive to announcements and posted information about scholarship opportunities.Use online search engines like www.fastweb.com and www.scholarships.com.Check the scholarship list publicized at school.Request applications and complete them on time.

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in late-January/early February of the senior year in order to qualify for need-based aid.Private colleges will likely require you to complete the Profile from the College Scholarship Service and/or their own scholarship application.The Profile can be completed in the fall.

Consult with Mr. Wilson as you make your decision about where you will attend.

Send your deposit to the college that you have decided to attend by May 1. Contact all of the other schools to which you have been accepted informing them that you will not enroll.

Your second semester senior year grades count! All admission decisions are conditional upon successful completion of your senior year. This includes maintaining your academic standards.